The Bahuda Yatra—the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from Gundicha Temple to their main abode—commenced on Saturday in Puri with the traditional Pahandi ritual. The ceremonial procession started earlier than scheduled, with the deities being carried from the sanctum to their respective chariots by 10:30 AM.
The majestic chariots—Taladhwaj for Lord Balabhadra, Darpadalana for Devi Subhadra, and Nandighosha for Lord Jagannath—are being pulled by thousands of devotees along the 2.6-kilometer route from Gundicha Temple to the 12th-century Jagannath Temple.
In light of the tragic stampede on June 29 that resulted in three deaths and over 50 injuries, the Odisha government has deployed heavy security for the event. Over 6,000 police personnel and 800 CAPF jawans have been stationed across the temple town to prevent any mishap.
Special traffic arrangements have been made to handle the massive influx of devotees, especially as favorable weather has encouraged a higher turnout. Both Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and opposition leader Naveen Patnaik extended greetings to the public on this sacred occasion.
The original Rath Yatra began on June 27, and Bahuda Yatra marks the return leg of the divine journey, a highly anticipated event in the religious calendar of millions.
